Repository:
Stanford University. Libraries. Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives.

Abstract: The collection includes incoming letters sent to James Alexander Houston, a medical doctor, the son and brother of Irish clergymen,
and an emigrant from Ireland to the United States before 1845. Familiar with the Pitman method of stenography, Houston reported
for both New York and Washington, D.C., newspapers. He had good friends in the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society,
including Gamaliel Bailey and Louis Tappan.

Language:
English.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

None.

Publication Rights

Property rights reside with the repository. Literary rights
reside with the creators of the documents or their heirs. To
obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the
Public Services Librarian of the Dept. of Special Collections.

Much of what we know of this interesting man must be deduced from the letters he received from 1845 to 1849, and from resorting
to the Encyclopedia Britannica. From the former source, we know, for example, that he was a medical doctor, the son and brother
of Irish clergymen, and an emigré from Ireland to the United States during some period before 1845. We also know that he was
married, with sub-teen children, a Presbyterian, and adept at shorthand. A curious combination, a medical man who knew shorthand.
But not so curious if a bit of the history of shorthand is noted.
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, various schemes for shorthand date from Greco-Roman times to modern times, including
Shelton's system, which was used by Samuel Pepys in his Diaries of 1660. However, stenography reached its developmental zenith
in England in the nineteenth century with the publication of Isaac Pitman's method in 1837, which swept the British Isles
and America, as well. One of its early uses was the verbatim transcription of clerical sermons for publication. Another was
verbatim reporting for newspapers of the day.
It was little wonder then that Houston found more work as a shorthand reporter than as Assistant Surgeon of the New York State
Militia.
The concession of vast amounts of land to the United States after the Mexican War (1848) rekindled the slavery question. Newly
elected President Polk, whose views were expressed by the Union newspaper in Washington, D.C., publicly urged Congress to
create Oregon, New Mexico, and California as territories, whereupon anti-slavery Congressmen persuaded Democratic Congressman
David Wilmot, from Pennsylvania to add an amendment to a $2 million appropriation bill for boundary settlement. The "Wilmot
Proviso" stipulated that slavery should not exist in any part of the territory acquired by the United States as a result of
the Mexican War. Several times the House passed the amendment but it failed in the Senate. Yet it stimulated active debate
between slavery proponents and anti-slavery forces. Throughout the electric days of 1846-47, Houston, the official Stenographer
to the U. S. Senate, was kept busy reporting and publishing them in Houston's Journal. Testimonials to his ability and accuracy
rained on Houston from Congressmen and the leading eastern newspapers of the day.
Dr. Houston also found work on the New York Herald, founded in 1845. In Washington D. C., he reported for the Union, for George
Gideon's Republic , and the Era, where he became close friends with its publisher, Gamaliel Bailey. The Era was the organ
of the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, which began publication in 1844. Houston was also a friend of Louis Tappan,
a major figure in anti-slavery ranks and a publisher (co-founder with is brother Arthur of the Journal of Commerce in 1827,
and the Emancipator in 1833).
Houston divided his time between between Washington and New York depending on the sessions of the Senate, moving in the circles
of well known individuals of his time and place-political figures, judges, publishers. However, something seems to have occurred
at the end of 1849, when he moves out of the Era offices one step ahead of the sheriff who arrives to attach his belongings
for what appears to be a debt. He goes back to New York (see letter of December 12, 1849, from James W. Simonton). Perhaps
his debt was settled , for the last letters of 1849, have him successfully applying to George Gideon for work to be sent to
Washington D. C.

Collection Scope and Content Summary

The collection mainly contains letters to James Alexander Houston from 1845-1849, with a few published testimonials, and autographs
of Horace Greeley, George Gideon, Charles A. Dana, and one or two others. The letters are arranged in numerical sequence for
the years 1845 to 1949, and by day and month within the sequence of years. A fairly large number of the letters are undated
and are filed at the end, with some dates suggested from the context of the letters. All letters are indexed and synopsized.

Access Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Bailey, Gamaliel.

Tappan, Louis.

American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society.

United States--History--1815-1861.

Collection Contents

Box 1, Folder 1

Henry Morris, Washington D.C., to James A. Houston (JAH), in care of the New York Herald.1843 Apr.

Scope and Content Note

Please accept more money. The amount enclosed is according to Mr. "S's" orders. Sent to JAH with assurance that Mr.Bennett
would see that JAH received the letter.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Morris, Henry

Bennett,[James Gordon]

New York Herald

Box 1, Folder 2

William [Inche ?], New York, to JAH in care of N.Y. Herald office1845 Feb. 3

Scope and Content Note

Inche, a friend, asks JAH to find him a job. He is at the Alms House, Bellevue, N.Y.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Inche, William

New York Herald

Box 1, Folder 3

[J. A. Houston?]1845 Dec. 19

Scope and Content Note

Partial note

Subjects and Indexing Terms

[J.A Houston ?]

Box 1, Folder 4

Henry [Thompson?] to JAH1846 July 10

Scope and Content Note

He will prepare remarks on "Graduation Bill" for the Union.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

[Thompson?], Henry

The Union

Box 1, Folder 5

J. C. Houston,Ballymena, Ireland, to JAH1846, July 23

Scope and Content Note

Mixed longhand and shorthand pertaining to family matters.

Added note in unknown hand "Dr J A Houston had three brothers, John Clarke, Gareth, [both} clergymen, Robert, was a Captain
of Marines, U.S. Navy. [JAh] had one sister, Eliza Jane.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Houston, J. C.

Box 1, Folder 6

W. Hunt, House of Representatives, to JAH1847 Feb. 4

Scope and Content Note

Testimonial to JAH's transcription ability.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Hunt, W.

House of Reprentatives

Box 1, Folder 7

C. J. Ingersole, House of Representatives, to JAH.1847 Feb, 4

Scope and Content Note

Testimonial to JAH's transcription abililty

Added note in unknown hand says Ingersole was a U.S. Senator [U. S. Concressman ?} and former Governor of Connecticut.

Green understands JAH is being considered for shorthand reportial functions for the Senate, but calls JAH's attention to the
mistakes in a recent transcription of his speech in the Union, relative to "Mr. Marks. Asks that they be corrected in tonight'sUnion
or he will be obliged to tell the Senate that JAH is not to be depended on.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Green, Ben E.

The Union newspaper

Box 1, Folder 11

G. B. Bailey, Washington, D. C., to JAH1847 Mar. 28

Scope and Content Note

Instructs JA H to send a weekly letter/editorial to the Era.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Bailey, G. B.

The Era newspaper

Box 1, Folder 12

G. Bailey, Washington D. C., to JAH1847 April 16

Scope and Content Note

Commends JAH on his letters to the Era.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Bailey, G.

The Era

Box 1, Folder 13

R. C. Wetmore to JAH , Broadway [NY ?]1847 Apr. 21

Scope and Content Note

Please call for money due on charges for reporting the "Festival." Thanks very much.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Wetmore, R. C.

Box 1, Folder 14

G. Bailey, Washington, D. C., to JAH1847 Jun. 3

Scope and Content Note

Bailey is pleased with letter for the Era from JAH. How would JAH like to do a column for the Era ?

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Bailey, G

The Era newspaper

Box 1, Folder 15

J. Marshall, New York, to JAH1847 Jun 7

Scope and Content Note

The Graenfenberg Health Manual is delayed and will not be published until some later time.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Graefenberg Company, 50 Broadway, New York

Box 1, Folder 15

J. Marshall, New York, to JAH1847 Jun 7

Scope and Content Note

Qwing to a temporary misunderstanding we have to delay the publication of the Graefenberg Health Manual.

Clarke Houston [father of James Alexander Houston] writes of family matters. Also reccomends "Mr. Peake", and hopes JAH can
be of service to Mr Peake.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Houston, Clarke

The Era newspaper

Box 1, Folder 18

Eliza Houston, Ballymena, Ireland, to JAH 1847 Aug 25

Scope and Content Note

Family matters

Added in unknown hand: " J's mother"

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Houston, Eliza

Box 1, Folder 19

Simon Harker, Liverpool, to JAH1847 Sept. 3

Scope and Content Note

Harker saw JAH's ad in The Union for a reporter for the next session of the U. S. Senate, and wants to apply. Cites his qualifications.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Harker, Simon

The Union newspaper

thr Liverpool Journal

Box 1, Folder 20

W.W. Veaho, Ballymena, Ireland, to JAH 1847 Sept. 3

Scope and Content Note

Asks JAH to help his son, Henry, if he comes to America.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Henry Veaho

Box 1, Folder 21

Thomas DeWitt, New York, to JAH1847 Oct. 30

Scope and Content Note

States that his sermon does not represent the discourse as delivered. Phraseaology is different. But h;e considers it well
done in "full sketch."

Subjects and Indexing Terms

New York, settlement by Dutch, 1624.

Sermons in Dutch and in English.

Box 1, Folder 22

Prosper Wetmore, New York, to JAH1847 Dec. 13

Scope and Content Note

Wetmore says he is sorry not to have answered JAH's letter before. Is happy to be of service. Does not know what vacancies
exist [in the Navy ?], but JAH can probably find out from the Navy Department.

Added note in unknown hand says Wetmore is the U.S. Navy agent for the Nicaragua Steamship Line.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Nicaragua Steamship Line

Box 1, Folder 23

John C. Fitzpatrick to JAH, "reporter to the U.S. Senate."1847 Dec. 24

Scope and Content Note

Fitzpatrick makes an index of the sessions of the Senate.for JAH. For a "consideration" he will make a copy for JAH

John Clarke Houston, JAH's brother, discusses family matters. Refers to "Joseph" and their brother, Robert. Mentions JAH
is to visit them soon.

Box 1, Folder 28

Hon. James W. Bradbury to William Johnson.1848 March 9

Scope and Content Note

Writer wishes to know, from JAH, answers to questions on how many words he can write in a minute while "following a speaker,"
what amount of practic is needed to reach that level of proficiency, can a shorthand manuscript be used with the same facility
as it it were written, and what are the comparative merits of stenography and phonography, and which does JAH use ?

Added note in unknown hand says that either James W. Bradbury [or Wm T. Johnson] is from Middlesex Connecticut, is a law
reporter ( 1770 to 1848), and is on the Supreme Court.

Pleae arramge to buy writer the "London Encyclopedia (English edition)". Get it for $25 or less. Writer will send JAH a
draft on H. O'Rielly.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Thomas Cowperthwaite, Philadelphia

Box 1, Folder 33

W. A. Kennedy, Washington, D. C., to JAH1848 Oct. 27

Scope and Content Note

Don't pay your recent foreman, "Wilkinson", as he is in debt to writer. He also appropriated money from "Laurens" also in
JAH employee, and used it for his own use.

Box 1, Folder 34

G. Bailey, Washington D. C., to JAH1848 Nov.7

Scope and Content Note

Discussion of money owed and accounting matters.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

The Era newspaper

Box 1, Folder 35

Joseph W.Dennis, New York, to G. Bailey1848 Nov. 9

Scope and Content Note

Charged JAH for more bundles of papers that the man got from JAH

Box 1, Folder 36

S,.D. Figham, New Hope, to JAH, Washington D.C.1848 Nov 20

Scope and Content Note

Thank you for the U.S. Senate report.

Box 1, folder 37

David [ Sessions?], to JAH.1848 Nov. 24

Scope and Content Note

Am sending another manuscript.

Box 1, Folder 38

James W, Simonton, Washington, to JAH1848 Dec. 12

Scope and Content Note

Simonton reports that Mt. Rives says "Wheeler & Miles need no help until after the holidays. " Fowler & Leeds have no engagement."
"The Union has contracted with M. Parkhurst of Boston." Simonton "has done his best to remove prejudice against you in Washington."
He will dispose of JAH's thing from the Era office. He offers his services to JAH.

Added note in an unknown hand states Simonton is a noted newsman of the time.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Wheeler and Miles

Fowler and Leeds

M. Parkhurst

The Union newspaper

The Era newspaper

Box 1, Folder 39

Anthony [Bantery?]New York, to JAH1848 Dec. 14

Scope and Content Note

Writer will come late to New York Scottish Guard Ball.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

New York Scottish Guard

Box 1, Folder 40

G.B Moss, Washington, D. C., to JAH

Scope and Content Note

Writer is certain that their differences can be ironed out in an interview.

Box 1, Folder 41

James W. Simonton, Washinton, D. C., to JAH1848 Dec. 31

Scope and Content Note

All of JAH's books will be sent by express to New York. Writer will send accounts and disbursements. Please write if you
are disposed to.

Box 1, Folder 42

G. Bailey, Washington D.C., to JAH[?,?] 1848

Scope and Content Note

A sheriff came to the office to attach JAH's things. Wilkinson had eloped with Henry's money, and is now in New York City
, at Mckay, 120 Prince Street. Bailey has guaranteed everything till JAH comes or answers at once. JAH's documents are in
danger. JAH also ows bailey $191. The draft will reach Bailey at the Merchants Bank, New York.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Wilkinson

The Era newspaper

Box 1, Folder 43

JAH Accounts, January to September, 18481848

Scope and Content Note

List of JAH accounts re paper and labor, January to September 1848

Box 1, Folder 44

Thomas Macaulay, Belfast, Ireland, to JAH

Physical Description: 1849 Jan 12

Scope and Content Note

Chides JAH jocularly for having "repeatedly neglected to show me any kindness." Congraulates JAH on his work. Says Francis
Finlay, the Whig. . . "speaks very harshly of Bennett" who, in a visit to Ireland, "allowed himself to be rejected by [ John]
O'Connell."

Subjects and Indexing Terms

[James Gordon] Bennett]

Francis Finlay

[John] O'Connell

The New York Herald

Box 1, Folder 45

William C. Lantzinger , Washington D.C., to JAH1849 February 9

Scope and Content Note

Remarks that a Couriers Passport would not do much for JAH. The rules for individuals bearing despatches are strict about
proceeding directly to the destination.

Box 1, Folder 46

John Bryant, Washington D.C., to JAH, New York1849 Mar 15

Scope and Content Note

John Bryant, Jr., Treasurer of the 4th Presbyterian Church, writes JAH notifying him that he is in arrears in his pew rent.

In the interest of speeding up work he may move his office to Washington,D. C. which is at the end of the "Northern Line"
and the end of the "Southern Line" [telegraph line ?]. Could he not join JAH as a reporter from either Washington or Baltimore
for the next session of Congress?

Subjects and Indexing Terms

America [Packet Ship]

The New York Herald

Box 1, Folder 49

G. Bailey, Washington, D.C., to JAH. 1849 Apr 4

Scope and Content Note

Writer asks if JAH is going to Europe this spring, and has he decided the that the writer can do JAH's work in his absence
?

Subjects and Indexing Terms

The Era newspaper

Box 1, Folder 50

David [Seveves ?], Washinton, D. C. to JAH1849 May 24

Scope and Content Note

Informs JAH that the suit is won in Lee vs Houston, and renders his bill.

Box 1, Folder 51

S. B. Wylie, Philadelphia, to JAH1849 May 29

Scope and Content Note

Friend of JAH"s father requests JAH intercede to arrange for discharge of an Irish boy, Samuel Smith, who joined the marines
and now wants a discharge/

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Hugh Smith

Samuel Smith

Box 1, Folder 52

Geo A. Gideon, Washington D. C., to JAH. New York1849 Jun 5

Scope and Content Note

Writer requests JAH to tell him what he expects to pay for "a letter every day "? Hurry, "we commence on June 13."

Box 1, Folder 53

Geo. A. Gideon, Washington D. C., to JAH1849 Jun 9

Scope and Content Note

Writer accepts terms ($10/week) and, "you must give us the first letter for Wednesdaty morning's paper so it must reach here
by Tuesday evening."

Box 1, Folder 54

Wm. C. Lantzinger to JAH, New York1849 Jun 22

Scope and Content Note

JAH in arrears for membership of Masonic Lodge. Writer placed JAh's case before members and was selected to arrange application
for JAH to renew his membership.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Masonic Lodge, New York

Box 1, Folder 55

Geo A. Gideon, Washington D. C., to JAH, New York1849 Jun 28

Scope and Content Note

Gideon reminds JAH not to forget the steamship letter. Plus Gideon sends him a check for his letters.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

The Republic newspaper

Box 1, Folder 56

Greeley, Horace, New York, to Russell Sturgis, London1858 Jun 14

Scope and Content Note

Horace Greeley of the New York Tribune introduces friends W.E, Robinson and R. M. Mellis who will visit "on a mission of the
'highest respectability.